Filled with lively banter, adorable children, a frog named Blast, and swoony kisses, Sense and Suitability is the clean Regency romance you’ve been looking for. Basham brings her signature humor to the Regency era where social strictures keep the tension tight but the stakes low in this second-chance, enemies-to-lovers romance.
After two failed social seasons, her family may think the third time will be a charm, but Emmeline Lockhart just wants to survive with her dignity (and singleness) intact. She thought she’d found her perfect match in Simon Reeves–charming, handsome, a veritable hero from a novel–until he vanished from her life without so much as a “farewell” or “my deepest regrets” (or even a vague apology scribbled on the back of a calling card). Lesson learned: never fall for a man known for his charm.
But fate–or the misfortune of Simon’s reckless patriarchs–has other plans. Simon’s once-proud estate is in shambles, his family fortune has been gambled away, and the younger impressionable siblings in his care are running wild across his estate (and possibly across all of England). Simon is in desperate need of a wealthy, prestigious bride . . . and a friend.
Emmeline may not fit the role of heiress, but she can certainly be a friend. Just a friend. She’ll help him find a suitable match, ensure his reputation remains intact, and keep things strictly platonic–no matter how dangerously appealing his new-and-improved sincerity and regret may be.
There’s just one small problem: the undeniable chemistry that still smolders between them. Can Emme play matchmaker for the man she’s still in love with without losing her heart all over again? And is it possible that some love stories–especially the messy, inconvenient, impossible ones–are worthy of a rewrite?
Read: March 16, 2026 – March 18, 2026
It’s one thing to love a woman for the way she makes you feel, but it’s another thing entirely to admire her for who she is.
I picked up Sense and Suitability because I just finished a darker book and wanted something light hearted and fun-and this delivered!
The story follows Emmeline and Simon in regency-era as they navigate their relationship since Simon deserted her 2 years ago without so much as an explanation. While marketed as “enemies-to-lovers”, I would rather classify this as “past lovers to current lovers” lol. Though there was some witty banter here and there, there was nothing particularly “enemy” about it. Emme was upset and rightfully so, and I supported her keeping her distance initially.
There were a couple of spelling and continuity errors but I easily overlooked as I enjoyed the writing style. And the true saving grace of this book were the children (Fia, Lottie, and William are just the sweetest). I would read this author’s other books (and I am just about to put some on my tbr lol).
All in all, a great lighthearted romance with witty banter and chemistry between characters (spice level: clean, closed-door)